#ivotedforgod

*record scratch*

*freeze frame*

Yep that’s me, Nicholas Malone. You're probably wondering how I got here.

Well, let me let you in on a little secret: I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING.

I don’t mean that in a manner of me not knowing what I am currently doing at this moment. Nor do I mean it in such a way that presents the uncertainty of my future occupation prospects. No. None of that is case at hand. I merely mean that I, Nicholas Malone, am unsure of where I stand in this political uproar that has taken place in this fairly young country, The United States of America. I’m here to tell you that my opinion has not been won, bought, given over to, borrowed, traded for, or handed to anyone. Not in the slightest. But let me make sure this is known: I do have an opinion. One that hopefully you will see throughout this testament.

It is my goal that you will listen, read, understand, and feel the words that I have wrote here. That you will gather my thoughts and maybe, just once, take peek at what someone else has thought about in the entirety of the situation that has unfolded in this country. That maybe, just maybe, you can take a moment to realize that our opinions of such ‘crazed’ people who elected Donald J. Trump, or the ‘great’ people who marched and rioted for Hillary D. R. Clinton, are only that of which we purposely neglect as being our true knowledge of what such thoughts might be, OPINIONS.

Let's move forward.

January 20th. A day that, every 4 years, for the past 80 years, has shown to be a pivotal day in the United States. Such a day that should insight patriotism throughout the country. Such a day that should bring all Americans together, as one body, to carry one another onward to a new horizon. Such a day that we feel loved by our brothers and sisters as a new stepping stone is put in place for us to walk onward to a new day. Such a day as January 20th, such a day.

But January 20th, 2017 is not such day. January 20th, 2017 seemed to be less pivotal of a day, frozen in the misunderstandings of the people who feel unheard, unhappy, incomplete, and ashamed. This day, the aforementioned one, felt dirty to some, upsetting to others, and glorious for a group. But that is not the problem at hand. Sure, some did not get their way. That IS OKAY. It happens. And probably for a good reason.

One major problem, though. We didn’t come together, we didn’t show our patriotism, and we didn’t prepare for a new horizon.

Moving Forward.

January 21st, 2017. A NEW day. One that will surely be remembered. The Women’s March on Washington, an event recognized as the ‘stand[ing] together in solidarity with partners and children for the protection of rights, safety, health, and families [and] recognizing that vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.’ will most definitely not be forgotten, as it occurred all over the world. But, I have an issue with it. (Now, hear me out. Don’t cut me off so suddenly into my thoughts. Once again, just opinions.) This event turned into something more. Something that became out of control and misused. What was initially meant for the good of the government and other parties hearing the pains and aches of the other half of the country that didn’t vote for our now president, became a rally for hatred, slander, and misconduct. It transformed from a march professing ‘love over hate’ and equal rights to something much more like the opposite. As I continued to watch the detestations from speaker after speakers mouths, I became disgusted. I couldn’t watch anymore.

But please pardon me. I don’t want it to seem as if all intentions went bad yesterday, because surely they did not. Some were there for good. Some came to stand up for the mother, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, or daughter that they lost due to the actions of crazed men or police officers. Some were there to stand up against the wrongful actions of the employers that clearly paid them less, ignoring governing laws. Some were even there to stand with the women who had lost someone or been mistreated over the years. They were all there. They were all standing up against the oppression of wrongdoers.

And that, in and of itself, is worthy of appreciation.

However, I do not appreciate, nor congratulate, or praise those who marched with ill intent. Those of you who fall in this category, those who went to be malicious and vengeful, have set yourselves up on a ‘pedestal’ as high as the ones who oppressed you. That is, you who are ill-intentioned become just as evil and wicked as the people who exercised cruel power over you. And you make me sick. Also, it is you who have created the uproar of the political problems that have prevailed all other things in our nation.

Moving Forward.

I have another secret: We’re gonna be okay.

Here are the facts: 1. Donald J. Trump is the 45th President of the United States. 2. He does not have access to a big red button that launches missiles. 3. God has had our backs the whole time. Let me show you how…

As we as Americans have stood idly by while our nation is being mistreated by wrongdoers, God has already given us instructions to proceed without hesitation.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” - Romans 13: 1-7

Did you get that? God’s got us. If you believe that God’s word is true and just, then His word still stands. If you believe His word still stands, then you must know that whoever is an authority over you was placed there by God, and it is your responsibility to obey him or her.

So here is my proposition of my thus standing opinion.

We are THE PEOPLE of The United States of America. Each person has their own right to be heard. However, once everyone has said their piece, it is time for us to move on. Now that we all have cheered, partied, cried, and screamed, it is time for us to move on. It’s time for the malicious to take their punishment, the hurt to feel and know love, and the happy to know their peace. It is time for us to come together, stand together, show our patriotism, place our next stepping stone and walk to the new day that is just upon the horizon.

We, the people, need to make America great again.

Thank You, Nicholas Malone